Program areas at Raise The Future
Media-based recruitment services:raise the Future employs child-centric recruitment methods to identify and connect potential adoptive families with waiting children. Key activities include hosting adoption networking events, partnering with local news stations to broadcast wednesday's child profiles, and featuring children in the children's gallery on the organization's website. Monthly adoption orientation and information classes, as well as print and electronic media campaigns, help Raise awareness and support for the adoption of waiting children. the organization also assists prospective adoptive families nationwide by providing guidance on the adoption process, connecting them with local human services and child placement agencies, and responding to inquiries about specific children.a standout feature of Raise the Future's recruitment efforts is the heart gallery, a photographic exhibit that showcases the personalities and stories of waiting children in Colorado, Missouri, Nevada, and Utah. By bringing these children's images to life, the heart gallery helps them find loving, permanent families. Additionally, small matching events provide opportunities for prospective families and children to connect in fun, facilitated settings. During the fiscal year ending june 30, 2024, Raise the Future facilitated 1,731 youth inquiries and provided 4,311 hours of phone support to caregivers, youth, and advocates seeking assistance and information.
Family preparation and support:raise the Future provides ongoing, hands-on support to families throughout their adoption journey, starting before the adoption process begins. the family support program offers education, coaching, and tailored services to help families navigate the unique challenges of adoption. By fostering strong relationships early on, Raise the Future promotes family commitment and minimizes the risk of adoption disruptions.classes and training opportunities focus on equipping parents with the tools and knowledge to address the impacts of trauma, abuse, and neglect, helping children develop secure attachments and thrive as healthy, successful adults. In the fiscal year ending june 30, 2024, 1,890 caregivers and professionals completed over 1,385 hours of trauma-informed training and support services. Additional resources, including articles and videos, are regularly shared with adoptive families via bi-monthly e-newsletters to provide ongoing guidance and encouragement.
Intensive recruitment services:raise the Future's intensive recruitment program builds positive, healthy relationships with youth, empowering them and enhancing their ability to connect with potential families. Using an evidence-based model proven to increase the likelihood of finding permanent families by up to three times, the program also generates significant cost savings by reducing reliance on congregate and foster care.recruiters maintain caseloads of 12 to 15 youth, focusing on the oldest, longest-waiting, hardest-to-place, and most vulnerable individuals at risk of aging out of the foster care system. This personalized, strengths-based approach led to 173 youth being matched with permanent families during the past year.
National partnerships and technical assistance:raise the Future partners with the national center for diligent recruitment and the national center for enhanced post adoption to strengthen adoption systems nationwide. By providing free, customized technical assistance, webinars, resources, and opportunities for peer connections, the organization supports states, tribes, and territories in building their capacity to recruit adoptive families and enhance post-adoption services. Through these partnerships, Raise the Future contributes to systemic improvements that benefit children and families across the country.